The Institute of Intellectual Property Studies (IIPS) has plans to commence the fourth batch of its one year, week-end Post Graduate Diploma programme in Patent Law and Practice. The course prepares the participants for interaction with patents - it guides them on the role of patents, the requirements of patentability, and the major concepts of patent law.

IIPS is committed to training professionals such that a new generation of experts skilled in the art of filing, reading and exploring patents catering to the different industries is produced, capable of protecting indigenous inventions as also guiding Indian industries in the international arena.

The course seeks to build a fundamental understanding of Patent Law. It aims to develop in the participants an ability to have proactive discussions with inventors about their inventions, and appreciate the significance of issues raised by patent attorneys. An understanding of the international strategy for IP protection, patent infringement, international licensing agreements and the commercialisation of patents granted are also studied.

A highly interactive teaching methodology is followed by the expert faculty members, and emphasis is on imparting quality instruction with stress on practical relevance.

The last date for receipt of completed application forms is April 10, 2003, and the course is scheduled to commence mid July, 2003.

With an increasing harmonization of industry business practices internationally, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) Agreement to which India is a signatory have become significant. Compliance with the international regulations pertaining to intellectual property rights will soon become a must in commercial deals, research and technology development/ transfer agreements. It is, therefore, critical to gain the required understanding and knowledge of intellectual property (IP) rights and their implications at the earliest.